Suffolk/Boston Globe Poll: Recovery Eluding Bay State Residents

November 22, 2010

More than three-fourths of Bay State residents say the recession continues in Massachusetts despite its official ending nearly 18 months ago, according to the latest Suffolk University/Boston Globe poll, which reveals that many households have yet to feel the benefits of a recovery.

The Suffolk/Globe poll suggests Massachusetts consumers will be cautious during the upcoming holiday season, with more than 90 percent of respondents saying they will spend the same (54 percent) or less (38 percent) on holiday shopping compared to a year ago. Just 6 percent of residents said they plan to spend more.

A total of 54 percent of respondents expect it will be two years or more before the recession ends.

“Massachusetts residents are feeling an economic malaise that continues to cut into their willingness to spend, their ability to save and expectations about maintaining their standard of living,” said David Paleologos, director of the Political Research Center at Suffolk University. “It may also play into politics. More than half of Bay State residents believe we will still be in a recession in two years or more, and the next state and national elections are less than two years away.”

Bay State residents are eating out less than they were a year ago (51 percent), traveling less (47 percent), and more than one-third (37 percent) say they’re giving less to charity.

Of the 16 percent of respondents who said someone in their household had been laid off in the past year and a half, 59 percent said that person is still unemployed.

More than 70 percent of respondents say they’re either very concerned (24 percent) or somewhat concerned (47 percent) about being able to maintain their standard of living, compared to 29 percent who are not concerned.

Asked what the best way is for government to boost the economy, 35 percent said cut spending, 25 percent said cut taxes and 19 percent said spend more.

The Globe’s complete coverage may be found at www.boston.com/business. Full poll results will be available at 9 a.m. Monday Nov. 22 on the Suffolk University Political Research Center Web site: www.suffolk.edu/college/1450.html. For more information, contact David Paleologos at 781-290-9310.

Methodology

The Suffolk University/Boston Globe poll was conducted Nov. 14-16 and includes answers from 400 residents across the state. It has a margin of error of +/- 4.9 percent.